A former day care owner pleaded guilty Wednesday to manslaughter and risk of injury to a child in connection with the death of a 2-month-old in her care.

The judge called the case 'a terrible tragedy' before he accepted the plea deal presented to him.

Nydia Carillo-Maldonado made pleas under the Alford doctrine, which means while she's not admitting to the state's facts in the case, she acknowledges there is enough evidence for a conviction at trial. Carillo-Maldonado was facing up to 30 years in prison.

 

The case dates back to July 2016 when Bella Redondo was at Little Bears Beginnings Daycare in Stamford. Carillo-Maldonado called 911 when the baby started having problems breathing. She later died at the hospital from blunt-force trauma to the head.

According to the state's attorney, Bella had several skull fractures and bleeding.

Under the plea agreement, Carillo-Maldonado received a 10-year sentence suspended after three and a half years followed by five years' probation.

The attorney for the Redondo family says Bella's parents are grateful for a resolution in the case, but are still grieving.

"While the plea and closure bring some comfort to this family, the pain and discomfort of losing this child so unnecessarily and so tragically will never subside," says Mark Sherman, the attorney for the Redondo family.

Sherman says the family does intend to speak in court during sentencing, which is set for Feb. 27.